2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (219 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (211 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (297 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 85 L |
